Shadows on Water
After a few more rituals, overseen by Hui, you return to your her home with the rest of your extended family, which amounts to half the village. Then there is a meal eaten in honour of your father.
The air is dense with the aromas of suckling pig, three joys bloodcake, and drunken chicken. Spirits are high and there is much toasting and storytelling. You have invited along the strangers in the village, Fang and his men, and they are enjoying themselves heartily, except Fang himself who, as always, is reserved. You tell the story of the day you left home;
"I was twenty, it was a special occaision, I can't remember what exactly...we only had beef soup to eat, with no beef in it. I behaved terribly, I castigated my father for never having anything worth having. He held out his hand to me, and said,
'I have something for you."
He then opened his hand to reveal...nothing. Then he hit me on the head. I was furious, of course.
'Poverty is not always a bad thing,' he said, 'you must draw from inner strength to compensate for what is lacking outside.'
I threw a tantrum of course, and then he said, 'You have eaten at home too long.' I left the next day, naturally, but now I see his reproach was well aimed. I went to serve that emperor, and am the better man for it, despite ultimate disappointment. And now, the emperor's men here (you gesture to where Fang and his men sit), wish me to serve the new emperor. And I have my answer for them."
The room becomes quiet.
The air is dense with the aromas of suckling pig, three joys bloodcake, and drunken chicken. Spirits are high and there is much toasting and storytelling. You have invited along the strangers in the village, Fang and his men, and they are enjoying themselves heartily, except Fang himself who, as always, is reserved. You tell the story of the day you left home;
"I was twenty, it was a special occaision, I can't remember what exactly...we only had beef soup to eat, with no beef in it. I behaved terribly, I castigated my father for never having anything worth having. He held out his hand to me, and said,
'I have something for you."
He then opened his hand to reveal...nothing. Then he hit me on the head. I was furious, of course.
'Poverty is not always a bad thing,' he said, 'you must draw from inner strength to compensate for what is lacking outside.'
I threw a tantrum of course, and then he said, 'You have eaten at home too long.' I left the next day, naturally, but now I see his reproach was well aimed. I went to serve that emperor, and am the better man for it, despite ultimate disappointment. And now, the emperor's men here (you gesture to where Fang and his men sit), wish me to serve the new emperor. And I have my answer for them."
The room becomes quiet.